7 Legendary BBQ Festivals in North Carolina That Bring the Heat

Barbecue is more than food in North Carolina. It’s a living tradition, shaped by passionate pitmasters and hungry communities. Every year, towns across the state fire up their pits to host festivals that show off their local flavor, music, and hospitality.

I’ve spent years exploring these gatherings, plate in hand and napkin at the ready. Some events are massive, drawing crowds that rival local football games. Others feel like family reunions, where strangers swap stories as easily as sauce recipes.

If you want to taste North Carolina’s soul, and experience the state’s knack for throwing a party, these seven BBQ festivals are your must-visit stops.

1. Lexington Barbecue Festival (Lexington)

Step onto Main Street in Lexington each October, and you’ll smell wood smoke before you even see the crowds. This festival draws thousands for good reason, it’s a full-on celebration of the city’s famous “Lexington style” pork. The entire downtown transforms, and every block pulses with energy from sizzling grills, local musicians, and pig-inspired art.

I’ve walked beside families sampling barbecue from legendary pits, and watched artists carve giant pigs out of sand. You’ll find more than food here: there are crafts, classic car shows, and even a 5K for the energetic. Each corner offers something different, yet every stop shares the same sense of community.

The 41st annual festival is set for October 25, 2025, and organizers expect up to 200,000 visitors. If you want an authentic, lively taste of North Carolina barbecue culture, Lexington’s event is the place to be. You won’t leave hungry, or without a new pig-themed souvenir.

2. Carolina BBQ Festival (Charlotte)

Some festivals feel like a backyard cookout that grew up and moved to the city. That’s the Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte. Each April, pitmasters from around the Carolinas gather to share their best with everyone who walks through Victoria Yards.

This festival stands out for its “BBQ for a Cause” mission, every ticket helps Operation BBQ Relief and Hungry Heroes give back. I’ve seen first-timers light up when they taste something new, and regulars catch up over slow-cooked pork and brisket. Live music adds a groove to the afternoon, while local vendors keep craft beer and sides flowing.

Set for April, the festival doesn’t just satisfy appetites, it builds community in the heart of Charlotte. If you’re after honest barbecue and a reason to feel good about your meal, you’ll find both here. Bring your friends, support a worthy cause, and discover why this spring event has grown every year.

3. BBQ Fest on the Neuse (Kinston)

Picture whole hogs smoking on open pits while children dart between carnival rides, this is BBQ Fest on the Neuse in Kinston. It’s known for the world’s largest whole-hog cook-off and draws serious competitors from across the South. During the first weekend of May, downtown turns electric with energy, music, and mouthwatering aromas.

From the Guinness World Record attempts to the endless sampling lines, there’s something novel at every corner. I love watching teams tweak their secret recipes right before judging, while families cheer them on between bites of pork. The event also features a parade, arts, and plenty for kids to do.

Scheduled for May, this festival brings together food, fun, and a sense of tradition. If you want to see pitmasters at their most competitive, and taste what’s at stake, Kinston’s festival won’t let you down. It’s a true showcase of barbecue craft and community.

4. Roanoke-Chowan Pork-Fest (Murfreesboro)

On the grounds of the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum, the smell of slow-cooked pork blends with small-town charm. Since 2002, the Roanoke-Chowan Pork-Fest has served as a gathering spot for families, barbecue fans, and history buffs alike. The cook-off here is fiercely competitive, with certified judges from the North Carolina Pork Council on hand.

It’s more than just pork: you’ll taste the region’s culinary character in every bite. Local musicians provide a soundtrack, and festival-goers swap stories about favorite cooks. I’ve always been struck by the way volunteers rally to support local causes, making the event feel welcoming and genuine.

After returning in 2024, the festival was again on the calendar for 2025. If you’re after a friendly, authentic festival where everyone feels like a neighbor, Murfreesboro is worth the trip. It’s barbecue and community, served in equal measure.

5. Pinehurst Barbecue Festival (Pinehurst)

If you enjoy barbecue with a side of elegance, Pinehurst offers a festival unlike any other. Over three days at the end of August, this event combines a Pitmaster Invitational, bourbon tastings, and hands-on cooking classes. The setting, a quaint, historic village, adds a layer of Southern hospitality you won’t find anywhere else.

At Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, I once saw a chef walk diners through brisket techniques while guests sipped local bourbon. The focus on culinary craft brings out both seasoned pros and curious newcomers. You can wander from pit to pit, then relax under the oaks with live jazz in your ears.

Scheduled for August, this festival balances gourmet flavors with a laid-back feel. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just want a relaxed weekend away, Pinehurst makes the experience memorable. Food, drink, and charm mingle effortlessly here.

6. Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown (Rocky Mount)

Competition gets serious at the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, set against the backdrop of Rocky Mount’s historic train station. Each October, pitmasters fire up their smokers in hopes of earning top honors, and plenty of local bragging rights. The setting blends old-school charm with lively entertainment.

I once watched a team celebrate a win while their neighbors cheered, proving that the spirit of competition never overshadows camaraderie. With great local music and a mix of traditional and inventive recipes, every year brings surprises. There’s plenty to explore for both serious barbecue fans and casual tasters.

This year’s event is scheduled for October 24–25, 2025. If you’re looking for an event that’s equal parts fun and flavor, Rocky Mount won’t disappoint. The Throwdown is a showcase of regional pride you can taste in every bite.

7. Western North Carolina BBQ Festival (Maggie Valley)

Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Western North Carolina BBQ Festival in Maggie Valley is a summer tradition that brings together pitmasters, music lovers, and families for two days of flavor and fellowship.

Happening July, the festival fills the mountain air with the irresistible aroma of hickory smoke and slow-cooked meats. Teams from across the region compete for top honors, offering visitors the chance to sample everything from pulled pork and brisket to tangy sauces that showcase Carolina’s signature styles.

Beyond the food, the event celebrates mountain culture, live bluegrass and country bands perform throughout the day, while craft vendors and local artisans share their work. Picnic tables stretch across open fields where visitors and locals chat like old friends under wide skies. Every smoky bite feels like a vacation, making Maggie Valley’s BBQ festival a can’t-miss highlight of the season.